The Victoria Playhouse Petrolia donated just over $11,000 to St. Joseph’s Hospice last week. The funds were raised from a benefit concert held in October in memory of Ruth Brown, a well-known Petrolia resident who passed away earlier this year.

Her sister, Diane O’Dell, said the event brought together two of Brown’s passions – the Labmton Youth Choir and The Victoria Playhouse.

Brown was the only kindergarten teacher in Petrolia for 35 years, so plenty of residents are familiar with the kindhearted woman who was deeply involved in the church community.

O’Dell said it was one year ago that her sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“That’s nothing you ever want to hear,” she said.

At that time, O’Dell said she had no idea what the hospice did. When her sister was brought to the hospice in her final days, O’Dell said she learned that the hospice was a wonderful place to be, with caring staff and tireless volunteers.

Co-Artistic Director David Hogan expressed his thanks to the town, saying the show sold out almost immediately, reflecting the support of the community.